Messi returns to Argentina for rest after World Cup final loss to Spain
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Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after the World Cup final football match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
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An Argentina fan wrapped in a flag bearing an image of Lionel Messi gathers outside the Argentine Football Association headquarters while waiting for the national team to arrive in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Monday, July 20, 2026, following its World Cup final loss to Spain. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
ROSARIO, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi arrived back in Argentina on Tuesday for a few days of rest following the World Cup final loss to Spain.
Messi’s private jet landed near his hometown of Rosario from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 6:27 a.m. Although many fans were waiting with signs and flags, he did not make a public appearance.
Supporters only caught a brief glimpse of the SUV that met Messi on the tarmac to transport him and his family to the private neighborhood of Funes, roughly 300 kilometres (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
The Argentina captain reportedly travelled with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, all of whom had accompanied him throughout the tournament in North America.
Waiting for him in Rosario was his 68-year-old father, Jorge, whose ongoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness had been disclosed by the family during the World Cup.
Fans had gathered at the airport as early as 3:30 a.m., hoping to catch a sight of the star.
Among them were two young girls in Albiceleste jerseys holding welcome signs, one of which read: “Messi: You’re a legend. Thank you for bringing joy to our hearts. A whole country loves you!”
Messi is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in late July or early August for the ongoing MLS season.
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